Dating Methods in Quaternary

Aim and Content

The course gives an introduction to the principles of estimating ages for geological material and geological repositories utilised in Quaternary geology, palaeoclimatology and physical geography. An introduction will be given for the theoretical basis for radioactivity, radioisotopic methods (radiocarbon, uranium series, in situ cosmogenic nuclides) and radioisotopic effects (TL, OSL). Other topics may include palaeomagnetic, chemical (amino acid racemization, tephra), and biological methods for age determination. The course emphasises the practical applications of the different dating methods, as well as their advantages and pitfalls.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course GEOV228 the student should be able to:

- explain the principles and theoretical foundation for the different dating-methods.

- choose relevant dating-method(s) for a given problem

- present a critical and well-founded evaluation of dating-results obtained by the different methods.

Course offered (semester)

Spring. The course runs only if enough students enrol.

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Basic knowledge in geology, paleontology, sedimentology, marine geology, quarternary geology and geochemistry

Assessment methods

Written exam 4 hours

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.